“Serving on five negotiating committees with members from across the country drove home the importance of unity in confronting the changing landscape of our industry,” said Carteris. “Merger was the first step towards that unity, and as National Executive Vice President of SAG-AFTRA I will work with President Ken Howard, my fellow union leaders and members to help SAG-AFTRA find its strong common voice.”

She has picked up an important endorsement in her quest. Former SAG-AFTRA co-president Roberta Reardon, who had indicated she would run for the position, instead endorsed Carteris’ bid.

“As we approach the 2014 negotiations, we need Gabrielle’s steady hand and steely determination to help guide our union,” Reardon said in a statement.

Last month, Reardon narrowly lost the race for the union’s N.Y presidency to incumbent Mike Hodge.

The election be held at the end of the month at SAG-AFTRA’s convention.